Manchester City have shockingly been branded an “amateur team” by Premier League cult hero Paolo di Canio. The ex-West Ham star believes that another of his former clubs, Serie A title holders Napoli, are capable of claiming a notable scalp when heading to the Etihad Stadium for an intriguing opening clash in their 2025-26 Champions League campaign.
Kylian Mbappe received a Lionel Messi reality check from Leonardo Balerdi ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League opener against Marseille. Balerdi believes that Argentina team-mate Messi "will be the best player in the world until he retires", though he does admit Kylian Mbappe is among the top players in the game right now.
Cristian Romero has welcomed the arrival of an “organised” coach at Tottenham, which could be considered a swipe at former boss Ange Postecoglou. Spurs are now working under the guidance of Danish tactician Thomas Frank, with a change in the dugout being made over the summer after stumbling to a 17th-place finish in the Premier League last season.
Juventus head coach Igor Tudor has claimed Inter are the strongest Serie A side, and perhaps they are better than last season’s champions Napoli. This comment comes after the Bianconeri defeated their archrivals on Saturday, as the Derby d'Italia ended in a seven-goal thriller at the Allianz Stadium, giving them a perfect send-off for their Champions League opener.
Lamine Yamal was given an injection by the doctors and physiotherapists of the Spanish national team ahead of their World Cup qualifying clash against Turkey as he was experiencing acute lower back pain. The 18-year-old had sustained a minor injury in the sacroiliac region before joining up with the national team but was trusted to play in the international games, sparking fury at Barcelona.
Heading into the summer, Arsenal fans were told to expect an 'unprecedented' window by transfer reporters. The club held up that end of the bargain, splashing out roughly £250 million ($340m) on new players to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad as they look to end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title. Through four games of the season, their recruits look right at home.
'The Chaaaaampions'. That's right - the most famous anthem in world football is set to ring out around Europe yet again as the 2025-26 Champions League season gets under way this week. Thirty-six teams are vying it out to lift the European Cup in Budapest on May 30, but can any of them take Paris Saint-Germain's crown away from them?
Clear your calendar for Tuesday and Wednesday nights going forward - the Champions League is back as 36 of Europe's best teams prepare to do battle across the continent over the next nine months. Last season's tournament, complete with the brand-new league phase, turned into an epic, and the 2025-26 edition of the premier club competition on the planet promises to be no different.
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has told star forward Mason Greenwood how to become a "great top player" like Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe. The Italian has been singing the praises of the ex-Manchester United man but he also wants more from him ahead of facing Real Madrid in the Champions League.
Thomas Frank has confirmed that Randal Kolo Muani could make his Tottenham debut against Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday. The forward joined the club on loan from Juventus on deadline day and is currently awaiting his debut. Now, Frank has confirmed that the France international is fit, although he has questioned his ability to play with intensity.
Birmingham City are ripping up the transfer rulebook as they reportedly target Champions League players with the Blues chasing a Premier League return. Backed by the deep pockets of Knighthead Capital and the star power of NFL icon Tom Brady, the Blues are no longer thinking like a club fresh out of League One. Instead, they are daring to dream of mixing it with Europe’s elite within the next two to three seasons, and they’re building a plan to make it happen.
Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has received his very own F50 boots as adidas launch the teenager’s second exclusive collection, just days after unveiling his personal logo. The 18-year-old attacker, who already boasts over 100 appearances for Barca, will debut the striking purple-and-pink design this week as his meteoric rise continues both on and off the pitch.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed his "dream" is to win the Champions League with Manchester City following his summer switch from Paris Saint-Germain.
Newcastle United have sensationally pulled the plug on 45 tickets allocated to pupils from the High School of Dundee for their blockbuster Champions League showdown against Barcelona, sparking a storm of controversy. But just days after news of their planned adventure broke, the Magpies confirmed the seats were being stripped away, bowing to mounting fury from their own loyal supporters.
Real Madrid were expecting Eduardo Camavinga to return from his injury setback against Real Sociedad this weekend, but he won't be a part of the squad.
Tottenham owners ENIC are set to inject £100 million (€115m/$135m) into the club as they look to progress following the sacking of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy.
Trent Alexander-Arnold learned he was joining Real Madrid earlier than expected during Liverpool's celebrations after winning the Premier League title.
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker Michael Owen has taken aim at a social media post comparing him with Wayne Rooney, insisting he was a better player at the age of 17.
Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool's 22-man squad for the Champions League opening phase, with the brutal reason for his exclusion revealed.
Dietmar Hamann believes that Liverpool are already missing the services of Trent Alexander-Arnold following his free transfer to Real Madrid in the summer. The Reds brought in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to replace Alexander-Arnold but the Dutch full-back has been laid low with an injury at the start of the new season.
Join GOAL for live updates from the 2025-26 Champions League draw, as Europe's heavyweights Real Madrid, Barcelona, Arsenal, Liverpool and more discover who they play in the league phase
The Champions League league phase draw has taken place and Trent Alexander-Arnold will face his former club after Real Madrid were drawn against Liverpool.
.png?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpeg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
